World Screen

DUBAI/BURBANK: MBC in the Middle East will have first-run access to all new TV shows distributed by Warner Bros. International Distribution from the 2008-09, 09-10 and 10-11 U.S. TV seasons, as part of a multiyear extension of their output deal. The Middle …

PARIS: TF1 Group has confirmed that it is in talks to acquire selected assets from the AB Group, which operates a slate of thematic channels. The discussions reportedly center around the DTT channels TMC and NT1, as the market-leading French …

SAN BRUNO: YouTube has linked up with a range of content providers, including Sony, CBS, MGM and Lionsgate, to provide full-length TV shows and movies, supported by the video-sharing site’s new ad service. "This addition is one of many efforts underway to …

LONDON: ITV plc’s executive chairman, Michael Grade, is suing Greg Dyke and The Times for libel over a piece the former BBC chief wrote in the British newspaper last month. The libel suit centers on the portion of the article, about ITV’s …

NEW YORK: Time Warner has won approval from bondholders of $12.3 billion in debt to amend covenants that restricted the company from spinning off AOL. Each bondholder who consented will receive a payment of $5 for each $1,000 in debt securities. …

NEW YORK: First-quarter profit at NBC Universal fell 45 percent to $391 million, on revenues that were down just 2 percent to $3.5 billion, parent company GE reported today. GE’s total revenues, meanwhile, fell 9 percent to $38.4 billion, with profit …

LONDON: BabyTV is increasing its presence in Eastern Europe, with a launch on Volia in Ukraine. The channel, a commercial-free offering for infants, toddlers and parents, had recent launches on Comstar-Ukraine and AB Ukraine, as well as on National Cable …

BUENOS AIRES: Telefe International shored up a slew of deals at MIPTV for titles from across its portfolio, including signing several agreements with Asian clients for its telenovelas. The company closed a deal in the Philippines for The Successful Mr. and …

NEW YORK: At its Upfront presentation, Oxygen Media announced plans to add a second night of original programming to its schedule, as well as the extension of the Tori & Dean franchise with a TV movie, couples-themed makeover show and a …

HARRINGTON PARK: Janson Media has released Morocco: Quest for the Kasbah, the fourth episode in the series Richard Bangs’ Adventures with Purpose, to international television, VOD and DVD/video markets. Filmed in HD, the special follows turns the spotlight on Morocco, …